For Philadelphia Phillies fans eager to see All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton wearing red pinstripes by the July 31 trade deadline, it’s time to brace for some disappointing news. Buxton, the dynamic center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, has made it clear that he’s not going anywhere—despite the swirling trade rumors.
In an interview with Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune, Buxton expressed his dedication to the Twins, stating firmly, “I’ve got a no-trade clause — I’m a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life.” His pride in being part of the Minnesota franchise is evident. Buxton further elaborated, “That’s the best feeling in the world, knowing when I walk into the clubhouse every day, it’s going to say Twins. I love Minnesota — that’s home.” For him, the idea of switching teams isn’t just about business; it’s about belonging and loyalty.
This year, Buxton showed off his incredible talent once again by making his second All-Star appearance. With impressive stats in the first half of the season—hitting .289 with 21 home runs and boasting a 146 OPS+—his performance speaks volumes. Perhaps the most significant aspect of his season is his health; after struggling with numerous injuries throughout his career, Buxton is finally on track. Out of his 11 seasons, he has only played over 100 games twice. The fact that he’s just 22 games away from reaching that milestone for a third time is a huge relief for him.
Reflecting on his journey, Buxton shared, “This past offseason, I had a lot of mental clarity, a chance to get back to being myself. It surprised me. Not having to worry about rehab, about whether you’ll be ready for spring training, to just have that freedom every morning of knowing you’re OK; it was so much of a mental break.” He acknowledges how a long history of injuries has weighed on him, highlighting the emotional toll they took. Now, he’s determined to relish every moment of playing the game he loves.
Currently, with a record of 47-49, sitting 11.5 games behind in the AL Central, the Twins find themselves in a challenging position. Nonetheless, Buxton’s contributions on the field are undeniable, and he remains a crucial player under a seven-year, $100 million contract that extends through 2028.
For the Phillies, Buxton would have been a game-changing addition, filling a critical gap in their lineup. His right-handed bat would have beautifully complemented their left-heavy roster, creating a powerful top quartet alongside Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper. With Buxton officially off the market and committed to Minnesota, the Phillies will now need to turn their attention to alternative options for enhancing their outfield offense as they eye a playoff push.
For fans, this news might feel underwhelming or even frustrating—particularly when you consider the potential Buxton would have brought to the Phillies lineup. It’s a reminder of the unpredictability of baseball and the tightrope teams have to walk between building a future and the desire to win now. As the July deadline approaches, the pursuit for that perfect fit in the outfield continues, but one thing is for sure: Buxton’s heart remains firmly with the Twins.
Image Source: Byron Buxton @ Instagram
